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Judges 10:9,17,18
Moreover the children of Ammon passed over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed…

to fetch

1 Samuel 10:27
But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

1 Samuel 11:6,7,12
And the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly…

Psalm 118:22,23
The stonewhich the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner…

the elders of Gilead
Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. The elders were the leaders or representatives of the tribes residing in this area. Their role was crucial in decision-making and leadership, especially during times of crisis. The elders' involvement highlights the communal and tribal nature of Israelite society, where leadership was often decentralized and based on tribal affiliations. This reflects the period of the Judges, where there was no centralized monarchy, and leadership was often ad hoc and situational.

went to get Jephthah
Jephthah was a Gileadite, known for being a mighty warrior but also the son of a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers and the elders of Gilead. His story is a powerful example of God using unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. Jephthah's leadership is reminiscent of other judges whom God raised up to deliver Israel, despite their humble or flawed beginnings. This action by the elders signifies a desperate need for deliverance, prompting them to seek out Jephthah despite his previous rejection.

from the land of Tob
Tob was a region located northeast of Gilead, possibly in modern-day Syria. It was a place where Jephthah had fled to escape his brothers' hostility. The land of Tob is significant as it represents a place of refuge and exile for Jephthah, who gathered a band of followers there. This mirrors the biblical motif of God preparing His chosen leaders in places of obscurity or exile, similar to Moses in Midian or David in the wilderness. Jephthah's return from Tob to lead Israel underscores the theme of redemption and restoration, as God often calls back those who have been cast out to fulfill His purposes.

“Again the Israelites did evil in the sight of the LORD” (Judges 10:6). This recurring refrain sets the stage for 11:5. God allows the Ammonites to oppress Israel, just as He previously permitted Moab inJudges 3:12–14 and Midian inJudges 6:1–6. The oppression pushes Israel to cry out for help (Judges 10:10–16), illustratingProverbs 3:11–12—discipline that calls His people back to dependence on Him.

“When the Ammonites made war against Israel…” (Judges 11:5)

• The Ammonites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38), felt Israel occupied land they claimed (Judges 11:13).

• Their aggression fulfills God’s warning inDeuteronomy 28:25 that disobedience would invite military defeat.

•Psalm 44:9 shows how God at times withdraws protection to correct His people. Here, war is the God-permitted consequence intended to awaken repentance.

“…the elders of Gilead went…”

• These civic leaders, similar to the town elders inRuth 4:1–2, finally seek leadership beyond themselves.

• Earlier they had expelled Jephthah (Judges 11:2) because of his mother’s status. Their change of heart echoes Joseph’s brothers needing the very man they rejected (Genesis 42:6).

•Proverbs 16:7 reminds us God can turn even adversaries into allies when His purposes require it.

“…went to get Jephthah…”

• Jephthah is a valiant warrior (Judges 11:1), fitting the pattern of God raising unlikely deliverers—think of Gideon hiding in a winepress (Judges 6:11–12) or David the overlooked shepherd (1 Samuel 16:11–13).

•1 Corinthians 1:27 affirms that God chooses the despised to shame the strong, underscoring divine initiative over human pedigree.

“…from the land of Tob.”

• Tob lies east of Gilead. Jephthah’s exile there, like Moses’ years in Midian (Exodus 2:15), becomes preparation.

• Time away from home honed him as a leader of “worthless men” who gathered to him (Judges 11:3), similar to David’s band of misfits (1 Samuel 22:2).

•Psalm 34:18 assures that God is near the outcast; exile can be the crucible for future calling.

• God remains sovereign, orchestrating even enemy aggression (Ammon) to draw His people toward repentance (Romans 8:28).

• Leadership often emerges from unexpected quarters; rejection can be God’s redirection (Acts 7:35).

• Humility in crisis—seeking help rather than relying on self—is the first step to deliverance (James 4:6–10).

Judges 11:5 shows how God uses external pressure (Ammonite war) to move Israel’s leaders to reclaim the very deliverer they once cast out. The verse highlights divine sovereignty, the redemptive purpose of hardship, and God’s pattern of exalting the rejected to accomplish His salvation plan.

To fetch Jephthah.--Because by this time he had made himself a great name as a brave and successful chieftain of marauders, who would doubtless come with him to lead the Gileadites.